By 
At the Entebbe Cricket Oval today, Soroti City Cricket Club secured a 37-run victory over Budo Cricket Club, solidifying their position at the top of Group A in Division Two of the UCA Men’s National League.
Despite losing the toss, Soroti City’s stand-in captain, Derrick Bakunzi, led his side confidently after being sent in to bat first.
The team faced an early setback when Ainebyona Alban was bowled by Asiku Jackson in the second over.
However, they managed to recover steadily, reaching 43/1 after 10 overs.
Momentum slowed again just before the drinks break, with Soroti losing two more wickets to close at 75/3 after 18 overs.
But a crucial 71-run partnership between Bakunzi and Outeke Gideon turned the tide.
Bakunzi led from the front with a composed 56, supported by Gideon (36) and a handy 21 from Juma Sururu, helping Soroti to a total of 191 all out in 37.5 overs.
Budo’s bowlers had standout moments, with Allan Ssemakula taking 4 wickets for 46 runs in 9 overs.
Balidawa Ali and Lwamafa Michael chipped in with two wickets each.
In reply, Budo’s chase never quite gathered momentum.
They were 50/2 after 17 overs but suffered key losses early, including Micheal Ndiko (18), dismissed by Malinga Jacob, and Atuhairwe Jimmy (3).
Although Robert Owili contributed a quick 20, a string of runouts—most notably Rashid Mukasa and Ssemakula departing without scoring—seriously dented their hopes.
A late 45-run partnership between Asiku Jackson and Kiyingi Jonathan kept Budo in the game, and the last-wicket stand added 21 more runs, but it wasn’t enough.
Budo ultimately fell short, bowled out for 154.
Asiku Jackson top-scored with 34 for Budo, but it was Outeke Gideon who shone with the ball for Soroti City, taking 2 wickets in 6 overs at an impressive economy rate of 2.17 and wining the player of match accolade.
Outeke Gideon while receiving a POM award
The win gives Soroti City a perfect start with 4 points from two games, while Budo sits third with 2 points.
Elsewhere in Division Two, Ajuna Robert starred for Nile Cricket Club with a blistering 123—this season’s maiden century in the division—earning him the Player of the Match award.
Robert Ajuna while receiving the POM award
Nile crushed Jinja SS by a massive 205 runs. Jimson Wankona also impressed with 46 runs and a remarkable bowling spell, taking 4 wickets in 9 overs, 7 of which were maidens.
St. John’s SS was also awarded a walkover against Tornado Cricket Club — the second such forfeiture by Tornado this season.
